Ewen Jones (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tenders for Townsville has a central aim: to give local people the best possible chance of getting a well-paid, sustainable job and career. Townsville is northern Australia's largest city. We have a diversified economy. We need to see local businesses secure a greater percentage of government work locally. If we alter the tender process to allow local firms to compete, Townsville can drive value for the taxpayer and enterprise for our city. Townsville people want to be able to participate in the delivery of infrastructure and services, proving along the way that we can deliver projects on time and under budget and meet any criteria set by any level of government. The business sector in Townsville wants to provide jobs and futures for Townsville people to ensure that our people buy houses in our city, buy their cars locally and send their kids to our schools—that they live and invest in and grow our community. If Townsville firms can have a real shot at government tenders, they will provide apprenticeships, traineeships and jobs at all levels—on the jobsite and in the back office—in our city. Townsville is different. We are a great city looking for a fair opportunity to compete. Tenders for Townsville is just one way that we can drive innovation and value and create employment and wealth for this country. I will continue to push for my city.